My first cycle, which was Dienolone, I put on 14lbs and kept 12. I'd say Hdrol did just what it should have done. There is an important piece all of u are missing about hdrol.
I've used it with Test, and with TRT is works mightily. Better than any other combo or stack I can think of. There is definitely synergy with the two, which is much more than anyone can say about Msten and DZine. What you guys should know is that 6 years later and 40lbs of muscular gains, Hdrol put on another 10lbs for me and I'm only 5'5". I kept all 10 and today I'm 4-5lbs heavier than when I last touched it (last summer). I have a veteran lifting friend that took it again for the THIRD TIME last summer with me and he made 17lbs and kept around 14. He wasnt on TRT.
Sides vs gains, nothing compares IMO. More is not better. Aim for dry, keepable gains. I personally think Hdrol and Tren PH together will kill everything else you'd consider. Run NAC or Cycle Assist with it and ur gtg.
Lastly, what is MOST important is priming ur body for a bulk. Cut up a bit, get ur insulin sensitivity very high (i.e. cardio, low carb, carb cycling & IF diets work well). If u just want some guarantees in gains, go to the WalMart pharmacy and purchase some Humilin R OTC and run it with the Hdrol for guaranteed jackness.
I dont recommend that btw. But it DOES work, lol.